"KICK" Start to Early Literacy

MEDIA RELEASE
April 10, 2025
 

Downtown Athletics Crowned Champions of Early Literacy
1,056 1-Year Scholarships Invested from United Way’s Kickball Tournament

Spring Hill, FL – April 10, 2025 – United Way of Hernando County’s 10^th Annual “KICK” Start to Early Literacy Kickball Tournament: Inspired to Read was Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Anderson Snow Park. This tournament was proudly presented by United Way’s “Grand Slam Champion” Sponsor Tampa General Hospital Spring Hill/Brooksville.

After a long afternoon with a high of 91 degrees, the final matchup came down between Downtown Athletics as “The Godfather” with Celebrity Coach Christina Sowers vs. Tampa General Hospital as “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” with Celebrity Coach duo Jason & Amy Baldwin. It was a close and intense game, but in the end Downtown Athletics was crowned the 2025 Kickball Champions of Early Literacy. A “Best of the Worst” Redemption Round was also incorporated this year where Hernando County Schools as “WICKED” flew by the competition and took home the trophy.

Local businesses are exclusively invited to participate and proudly align themselves with supporting                   
local initiatives. The Kickball Tournament's purpose is to support early literacy and continue to provide
Hernando preschool children free books to help them grow their own little library and prepare them for
kindergarten. Thanks to supporters of United Way’s "KICK" Start to Early Literacy Kickball Tournament,
we were able to raise over 1,056 1-year scholarships, which is equivalent to 12,672 books! All proceeds
benefit United Way’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library program, currently providing over 1,100 Hernando
pre-school children with a free book every month from birth to age of five. The books are mailed directly
to enrolled children regardless of their family’s economic status.

Brijbag Law’s Brian Brijbag and Board of County Commissioner Ryan Amsler received the most votes for a dip in the Dunk Tank by attendees, though many other Celebrity Coaches followed suit when their team was eliminated from both tournaments. This family fun day also included music from PJ the DJ, a Scooby Doo Bounce House, cornhole & carnival games, Food Trucks, craft vendors, Bubbles ’N’ Foam, and a special performance of the National Anthem by local singer, Emma Roberts.

Thank you to the 20 participating teams and their accompanying Local “Celebrity” Coaches who competed in this year’s event:

• Hernando County Supervisor of Elections as “IT” coached by Denise LaVancher
• Publix Super Markets at Brooksville Square as “Jumanji” coached by Clerk of Court & Comptroller Doug Chorvat
• HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital as “The 3 Musketeers” coached by HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital CNO Sheila Sanders
• Starbucks as “Alice in Wonderland” coached by Hernando YMCA’s Executive Director Kent Reiber
• Publix Super Markets at the Shoppes at Glen Lakes as “Snow White” coached by Euphoric Ink Studio’s Co-Owner Charlotte Diaz
• Hernando County Schools as “WICKED” coached by Hernando County Superintendent Ray Pinder
• Old Castle as “TROY” coached by Board of County Commissioner Jerry Campbell
• Downtown Athletics as “The Godfather” coached by CareerSource’s Christina Sowers
• Tampa General Hospital as “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” coached by HC Government/TGH Pharmacy Director Amy & Jason Baldwin
• Timber Pines as “Legally Blonde” coached by Comfort Control Specialist’s Brandy Homan
• Hernando County Tax Collector’s Office as “DC COMICS” coached by Amy Blackburn
• Publix at Hernando West Plaza as “MARVEL” coached by Publix #1871 Store Manager Ashley Crisci
• Publix at Mariner Commons as “Harry Potter” coached by Brijbag Law’s Brian Brijbag
• Publix at Barclay as “Forest Gump” coached by Publix Supermarkets Associate Relations Specialist Brittany Montmarquet
• Publix Shoppes at Avalon as “Shrek” coached by Board of County Commissioner Ryan Amsler
• Rivera’s Flooring, Kitchens, & More as “Hunger Games” coached by Barrett Rivera
• Coastal Engineering as “The Cat in the Hat” coached by PHSC’s Dr. Amy Anderson
• Regions Bank as “The Great Gatsby” coached by City of Brooksville’s Mayor Christa Tanner
• Publix at Lakewood Plaza as “Twilight” coached by Hernando County Emergency Management’s Director Erin Thomas
• Hernando County Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 3460 as “Jurassic Park” coached by Hernando Fire Chief & Public Safety Director Paul Hasenmeier

This year’s Food Truck Rally proudly featured Brea’s Coffee, Kona Ice, Pio Bori Chicken, Love Corn Dogs, Cole’s Concessions, Big Worley’s BBQ & Burgers, and Chick-Fil-A! Field Sponsors include Grow Financial, HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital, SoFresh, & Carter Foreman, PLLC. Base Run Baller Sponsors include Family Chiropractic Center for Wellness, Micro Matic, Tropic Shores Realty, Kona Ice of Spring Hill, Hernando County Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 3760, Edward Jones, Pj’s Roofing, Suncoast Credit Union, and Bubbles ’N’ Foam. Publix is always recognized by United Way of Hernando County as an active Community Partner thanks to their ongoing level of support towards our mission. The Touch-a-Truck event features the ARGO amphibious vehicle used by Hernando County Mosquito Control, Fire Rescue’s Smoke Trailer & Ladder Truck, as well as first responder vehicles for children to enjoy.

Fans and supporters of the event will also notice over 40 cause-brand marketing yard signs from local “Double Play Sponsors” throughout the park that day. Our annual Mascot Fun Run was held on Field #3 at 11:30am. The line-up included Plato the Dinosaur of Publix Supermarkets, Scoopie of Culvers, Smiley of LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, Boomer of Pasco Hernando State College, the Chick-Fil-A Cow, Andy the Armadillo of Texas Roadhouse, Sharky, Hernando County Professional Firefighters Velociraptor, and Hernando High School’s Leopard. Andy the Armadillo took home the gold for this year’s Mascot Fun Run Race!

In addition to Saturday’s festivities, the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce hosted their Resident’s Reception on-site with an additional 40 vendors. This partnership graciously donated $600 towards United Way’s Early Literacy Initiatives.

United Way would also like to thank Hernando County Parks and Recreation, United Way of Hernando County volunteers, and Kickball Planning Committee Members for generously donating their time, talents, and efforts to help make this event such a success. Thank you for always #LIVINGUNITED.

Visit www.UnitedWayHernando.org/Kickball for information on event entertainment, participants, and opportunities. For more ways to GIVE, ADVOCATE, or VOLUNTEER for our future events, contact Justine Peppe at Impact@UnitedWayHernando.org or call 352-688-2026.

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United Way of Hernando County, Inc.:
United Way of Hernando County (UWHC) was established as a 501c3 organization in 1987, and since then has continuously focused on creating partnerships and mobilizing our community to seek sustainable solutions to some of the most pressing local needs.  UWHC strategically allocates Community Investment Funds in Health, Education, & Financial Stability programs with proven results and local impact. UWHC works hard to balance the growing demand for basic services such as food, utilities, and rent assistance, with our ongoing commitment to tackling the underlying causes of complex issues. United Way partners with businesses and organizations that share our vision for improving lives through the power of collective impact and working together. Our support for long-term commitments are essential to addressing key social issues, such as helping children, youth, adults & elders, encouraging health and wellness, including physical and emotional care, promoting financial stability and self-sufficiency, and crisis intervention. For more information on how YOU can LIVE UNITED, visit www.UnitedWayHernando.org.

MEDIA RELEASE
April 12, 2024
 

“Barrette Knights” Crowned 2024 Kickball Champs
United Way of Hernando County raises over 889 1-Year Scholarships, equivalent to 10,668 books, towards Early Literacy at Kickball Tournament

Spring Hill, FL – United Way of Hernando County’s 9^th Annual “KICK” Start to Early Literacy Kickball Tournament was on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Anderson Snow Park - 1360 Anderson Snow Rd, Spring Hill, FL 34609. This tournament was proudly presented by United Way’s “Grand Slam Champion” Sponsor Tampa General Hospital Spring Hill/Brooksville. Each year, 16 Kickball Teams compete in this single elimination tournament for a chance to win the Ultimate Traveling Trophy and have the honor of being crowned “Champions of Early Literacy.” Teams are exclusively invited to participate and represent company partners of United Way in Hernando that align themselves with supporting local initiatives.

The Kickball Tournament's purpose is to support early literacy and continue to provide Hernando preschool children free books to help them grow their own little library and
prepare them for kindergarten. Thanks to supporters of United Way’s "KICK" Start to Early Literacy Kickball Tournament, we were able to raise over 889 1-year scholarships, which
is equivalent to 10,668 books! All proceeds benefit United Way’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library program, currently providing over 1,050 Hernando children with a free book every
month from birth to age of five. The books are mailed directly to enrolled children regardless of their family’s economic status.

After a long afternoon of local Hernando businesses vying for the Ultimate Traveling Trophy, the final matchup came down between Downtown Athletics “Tangerine Dream Team” with Celebrity Coach Christa Tanner and Barrette Outdoor Living’s “Barrette Knights” with Celebrity Coach Joel Fritton. It was a close and intense game, but in the end Barrette Outdoor Living’s “Barrette Knights” were crowned the victors and the 2024 Kickball Champions with a score of 1-0.

Thank you to the other 14 participating teams and their accompanying “Celebrity Coaches” who competed in this year’s event:

• Dr. Brian Dahmer coaching Tampa General Hospital’s team, “One Kick Wonders”

• City of Brooksville Mayor Blake Bell coaching Coastal Engineering’s team, “Kicks & Giggles”

• Attorney Brian Brijbag coaching Rivera’s Flooring, Kitchens, & More’s team, “Rivera’s Kickin’ Kitcheneers”

• PHSC Provost Dr. Amy Anderson coaching Publix Super Market at Shoppes at Avalon's team, "Kevin's Kickers"

• Hits 106 Marvelous Marvin coaching Publix Super Market at The Shoppes at Glen Lakes team, "Glen Lakers”

• Hernando County Board of County Commissioner Brian Hawkins coaching Timber Pine’s team, “Hammer Jammers”

• Hernando County Emergency Management Director Dave DeCarlo coaching HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital’s team, “LifeSavers”

• Hernando County Board of County Commissioner Jerry Campbell coaching Regions Bank’s team, “Balls of Fury”

• Superintendent of Hernando Count Schools John Stratton coaching Hernando School’s team, "Saved By The Ball"

• Hernando County Fire Chief & Public Safety Director Paul Hasenmeier coaching Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative’s team "WRECking Crew"

• Hernando County Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller Doug Chorvat Jr. coaching Clerk of Court’s team, “The Mighty Dougs”

• Dr. Lauren Dedea from Dedea M.D. Family Medicine coaching Publix Super Market at Brooksville Square's team, "Brooksville Skillz"

• Sheriff Al Nienhuis coaching Publix Super Market at Hernando West Plaza’s team, "187-WON”

• Publix’s Brittany Montmarquet coaching Publix Super Market at Lakewood Plaza’s team, "Riki’s Rockets”

The following Celebrity Coaches were voted for a dip in the Dunk Tank by attendees, Brijbag Law’s Brian Brijbag (voted), Board of County Commissioner Jerry Campbell (voted), Family Chiropractic Center for Wellness’s Dr. Brian Dahmer (selected), and Hernando County Fire Chief Paul Hasenmeier (selected). This family fun day included music from PJ the DJ, a Bounce House, Foto Fun Booth, craft vendors, and a special performance of the National Anthem by Hernando’s very own talented singer, Snow Anna Mazourek.

This year’s final line-up for our Food Truck Rally included Spice Corner, Cali Street Tacos, The Ice Cream Barr, Brain Freeze Italian Ice, Love Corn Dogs, Murph Coffee Company! Home Run Hero Field Sponsors included HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital, Carter Foreman, PLLC, Brijbag Law, and Kiwanis Club of Brooksville. Base Run Baller Sponsors included Micro Matic, Grow Financial, Family Chiropractic Center for Wellness, Comfort Control Specialists, and Allstate by Jason Aldrich. Publix is always recognized by United Way of Hernando County as an active Community Partner thanks to their ongoing level of support towards our mission. The Touch-a-Truck event featured the ARGO amphibious vehicle used by Hernando County Mosquito Control, Fire Rescue’s Ladder Truck, and first responder vehicles for children to enjoy.

Fans and supporters of the event also noticed over 30 cause-brand marketing yard signs from local “Double Play Sponsors” throughout the park that day. Our annual Mascot Fun Run was held on Field #3. The line-up included Smiley of Lifesouth Community Blood Center, Andy the Armadillo of Texas Roadhouse, WWHS Hornet, J.D. Floyd Dolphin, HHS Leopard, Tommy The T-Rex, Pikachu, Plato the Dinosaur of Publix Supermarkets, Carey The Cow, and Scoopie of Culvers. WWHS Hornet took home the gold for this year’s Mascot Fun Run Race!

United Way would also like to thank Hernando County Parks and Recreation, United Way of Hernando County volunteers, Board Members, and Kickball Planning Committee Members for generously donating their time, talents, and efforts to help make this event such a success. Thank you for always #LIVINGUNITED.

Visit www.UnitedWayHernando.org/Kickball for information on event entertainment, participants, and opportunities. For more ways to GIVE, ADVOCATE, or VOLUNTEER for our future events, contact Justine Peppe at Impact@UnitedWayHernando.org or call 352-688-2026.

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United Way of Hernando County, Inc.:
United Way of Hernando County (UWHC) was established as a 501c3 organization in 1987, and since then has continuously focused on creating partnerships and mobilizing our community to seek sustainable solutions to some of the most pressing local needs.  UWHC strategically allocates Community Investment Funds in Health, Education, & Financial Stability programs with proven results and local impact. UWHC works hard to balance the growing demand for basic services such as food, utilities, and rent assistance, with our ongoing commitment to tackling the underlying causes of complex issues. United Way partners with businesses and organizations that share our vision for improving lives through the power of collective impact and working together. Our support for long-term commitments are essential to addressing key social issues, such as helping children, youth, adults & elders, encouraging health and wellness, including physical and emotional care, promoting financial stability and self-sufficiency, and crisis intervention. For more information on how YOU can LIVE UNITED, visit www.UnitedWayHernando.org.

MEDIA RELEASE
March 29, 2023

“Tangerine Dream Team” Crowned 2023 Kickball Champs
Success From United Way Tournament Will Provide 1,048 Scholarships

Spring Hill, FL – March 29, 2023 – United Way of Hernando County’s 8^th Annual “KICK” Start to Early Literacy Kickball Tournament was hosted on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Anderson Snow Park. This tournament was proudly presented by United Way’s “Grand Slam Champion” Sponsors Kiwanis Club of Brooksville and Family Chiropractic Center for Wellness.

Over 3,000 attendees enjoyed the variety of 14 food trucks and participated in United Way’s first ever “Food Truck Bingo”. With a high of 91 degrees on Saturday, the activities provided at the field were enough to keep patrons entertained from 12:00pm-7:00pm. This included over 20 vendors, face painting, raffle prizes, a sensory station for children, a free kid zone, Touch-A-Truck event, a Mascot Fun Run around the bases, an anticipated “Pie-a-Deputy” initiative and Celebrity Coach Dunk Tank. This family fun day included a Foam Party, music from PJ the DJ, a Bounce House, Foto Fun Booth, and a special performance of the National Anthem by Hernando’s very own talented singer, Sarina Singh.

Kickball teams are exclusively invited to participate and represent Hernando companies that align themselves with supporting local education initiatives with United Way. After a long evening of 16 Hernando business partners vying for the Ultimate Traveling Trophy in a single elimination kickball tournament, the final matchup came down to Downtown Athletics’ “Tangerine Dream Team” with Celebrity Coach Christa Tanner and Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative’s Team “WRECing Crew” with Celebrity Coach Doug Chorvat Jr. It was a close and intense game, but in the end “Tangerine Dream Team” was crowned the “Champions of Early Literacy.” Team Captain Bobby Read exclaimed, “Truly a great community event we look forward to every year! We are grateful for what United Way’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library brings to the kids in our community. Taking home, the championship trophy is just icing on the cake!”. 

Thank you to participating teams and their accompanying “Celebrity Coaches” who competed in this year’s event:

• City of Brooksville Mayor Blake Bell coach Congressman Gus Bilirakis’ team, "The Bilira-Kicks"

• PHSC Provost Dr. Amy Anderson coaching Pasco Hernando State College’s team, "Boomer's Best"

• April Johnson-Spence coaching Timber Pine's team, "Hammer Jammers”

• Brian Hawkins coaching Barrette Outdoor Living's team, "Barrette Knights"

• Christa Tanner coaching Downtown Athletics’ team, "Tangerine Dream Team”

• Doug Chorvat Jr. coaching Withlacoochee River Electric’s team "WRECing Crew"

• Dr. Brian Dahmer coaching Publix Super Market at The Shoppes at Glen Lakes team, "No O.T.”

• Beth Narverud coaching Publix Super Market at Brooksville Square's team, "Brooksville Beetem"

• Dr. Lauren Dedea coaching Publix Super Market at Barclay's team, "Janet's Bandits"

• Sheriff Al Nienhuis coaching Hernando County Sheriff’s team, "Trying to Score"

• Allyn Welch coaching Publix Super Market at Seven Hills team, "Ball Busters”

• Jeff Rogers coaching Publix Super Market at Mariner Commons team, "Jiminy Kick-It"

• Jerry Campbell coaching Publix Super Market at Shoppes at Avalon's team, "Kevin's Kickers"

• Hernando County Fire Chief Paul Hasenmeier coaching Bravera Health Spring Hill's team, "One Kick Wonders"

• Attorney Brian Brijbag coaching Publix Super Market at Lakewood Plaza's team, "The Wolves of Ball Street"

• Superintendent of Hernando County Schools John Stratton coaching Hernando School’s team, "Gym Class Heroes"

The Kickball Tournament's purpose is to support early literacy and continue providing Hernando preschool children free books to help them prepare for kindergarten. The proceeds raised from this event will provide 1,048 1-year scholarships to Hernando pre-school children in United Way’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library program. This level of support is equivalent to 12,576 books distributed this next year alone! Downtown Athletics’ Celebrity Coach, Christa Tanner, shared, “This is such a great community event that everyone looks forward to year after year. It was an honor to be a celebrity coach this year & taking home the championship title was an unexpected extra! I am thankful to the United Way of Hernando County for putting on this impactful event to assist their initiative in providing literacy pathways for children in our community through United Way’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library.” 

The following local Celebrity Coaches were voted for a dip in the Dunk Tank by attendees, PHSC Provost Dr. Amy Anderson (voted), Publix District Manager Allyn Welch (voted), Hernando County Administrator Jeff Rogers (selected), and United Way Executive Director Angie B. Walasek (selected).

United Way would also like to thank Hernando County Parks and Recreation, United Way of Hernando County volunteers, Board Members, and Kickball Planning Committee Members for generously donating their time, talents, and efforts to help make this event such a success. Thank you for always #LIVINGUNITED with us.

Visit www.UnitedWayHernando.org/Kickball or follow our Facebook Page for information on event entertainment, participants, and opportunities. For more ways to GIVE, ADVOCATE, or VOLUNTEER for our future events, contact Justine Peppe at Impact@UnitedWayHernando.org or call 352-688-2026.

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United Way of Hernando County, Inc.:
United Way of Hernando County (UWHC) was established as a 501c3 organization in 1987, and since then has continuously focused on creating partnerships and mobilizing our community to seek sustainable solutions to some of the most pressing local needs.  UWHC strategically allocates Community Investment Funds in Health, Education, & Financial Stability programs with proven results and local impact. UWHC works hard to balance the growing demand for basic services such as food, utilities, and rent assistance, with our ongoing commitment to tackling the underlying causes of complex issues. United Way partners with businesses and organizations that share our vision for improving lives through the power of collective impact and working together. Our support for long-term commitments are essential to addressing key social issues, such as helping children, youth, adults & elders, encouraging health and wellness, including physical and emotional care, promoting financial stability and self-sufficiency, and crisis intervention. For more information on how YOU can LIVE UNITED, visit www.UnitedWayHernando.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2022

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 54 Realty Crowned 2022 Kickball Champs

United Way Raises Over $22,716 for Childhood Literacy at Kickball Tournament

Spring Hill, FL – (March 26, 2022) – United Way of Hernando County hosted their 7th Annual "KICK" Start to Early Literacy Kickball Tournament at Anderson Snow Park on Saturday, March 26, 2022. Since 2016, local companies have battled it out in a friendly competition for the Ultimate Traveling Kickball Trophy. This year we decided to add even more amenities including a Food Truck Rally. The participation and turn out was absolutely amazing! We all came together as a community to support such a great cause.

Proceeds from this popular fundraising tournament benefit United Way’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL), which supports childhood literacy by sending enrolled Hernando children a free book in the mail every month, from birth to age 5. The community came together to raise over $22,716 for DPIL, which will allow United Way to provide roughly 11,358 books and it will sponsor 872 children from birth to age 5.

After a long afternoon of Hernando businesses vying for the Championship Trophy, the final matchup came down between Publix at Brooksville Square's "Brooksvegas Ballers" with Celebrity Coach Natalie Kahler from Brooksville Main Street and 54 Realty's "Kicking Balls & Taking Listings" with Celebrity Coach April Johnson-Spence, Community Advocate. It was a close game, but in the end The 54 Realty's "Kicking Balls & Taking Listings" were crowned the victors and the 2022 Kickball Champions.

A special thank you to all of our sponsors who proudly supported this fundraising event:

• Get your Business involved and make a difference in the lives of many young children in Hernando.

• Presenting Sponsor: Grand Slam Champion - Centennial Bank
• Field Sponsor: Home Run Hero
• Kickball Sponsor: Base Run Ballers
  
• Yard Sign Sponsor: Double Play!
• Click here to pay online!

Thank you to United Way’s Proud Partners at the Boys & Girls Club, Foundations of Life Pregnancy Center, Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind, Mid-Florida Community Service’s Early Start and Head Start, NAMI Hernando, and People Helping People for providing local resources for families in attendance. LifeSouth Community Blood Center’s Blood Mobile encouraged spectators to donate blood and save a life, and Terlep Chiropractic offered a coupon for discounted services with proceeds donated back to DPIL.

PJ the DJ from The Arc Nature Coast provided upbeat music all day for the attendees, and everyone loved snapping a keepsake picture with the life-size cutout of Dolly Parton at the Foto Fun Booth. United Way would also like to thank National Anthem singer Erika Iglesias and, Hernando County Parks and Recreation, and United Way of Hernando County volunteers, Board Members, and Kickball Planning Committee Members for generously donating their time, talents, and efforts to help make this event such a success.

2022 Kickball Champs: "Kicking Balls & Taking Listings" 54 Realty

Celebrity Coach April Johnson-Spence and Team Tim Pulmadore, Joey Favace, Ashley Read, Steven Read, Lamon Neal, Alex Ontivenos, Bobby Read, Dave Williams, Ryan Nutter, Brandon Wright, Devin Mormando, Tiffany Mormando, Katie Wright, Katie McCarthy

For more information on available opportunities for community involvement, visit www.UnitedWayHernando.org/Kickball

For more information, visit www.UnitedWayHernando.org/Kickball or like our event on Facebook.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 30, 2021

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WRECking Crew Crowned 2021 Kickball Champs
United Way Raises Over $12,000 for Childhood Literacy at Kickball Tournament

Spring Hill, FL – (March 30, 2021) – United Way of Hernando County hosted their 6th Annual "KICK" Start to Early Literacy Kickball Tournament at Anderson Snow Park on Saturday, March 27, 2021. Since 2016, local companies have battled it out in a friendly competition for the Ultimate Traveling Kickball Trophy. This year, COVID-19 safety precautions were implemented for the protection of the players, volunteers, vendors, and spectators. This included temperature checks at check-in, sanitation stations around the park, and proving masks for each dugout and vendor table.

Proceeds from this popular fundraising tournament benefit United Way’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL), which supports childhood literacy by sending enrolled Hernando children a free book in the mail every month, from birth to age 5. The community came together to raise over $12,000 for DPIL, which will allow United Way to provide 6,000 books to enrolled children to help build their personal library.

After a long morning of Hernando businesses vying for the Championship Trophy, the final matchup came down between Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative’s Team WRECking Crew and their Celebrity Coach Jeff Rogers, Hernando County Administrator and The Plumadore Group’s Team Kicking Balls & Taking Listings with their Celebrity Coach Doug Chorvat Jr., Clerk of Court & Comptroller. It was a close game, but in the end The WRECking Crew were crowned the victors and the 2021 Kickball Champions.

Thank you to the following businesses and their accompanying Celebrity Coaches (CC) who competed in this year’s event:

• Team "O'Berry's All Stars" from Publix at Seven Hills --> CC Allissa O'Berry, Publix #411
• Team "The Heat" from the HC Sheriff’s Office --> CC Sheriff Al Nienhuis, Hernando County Sheriff's Office
• Team "Average Joe's" from Publix at Mariner Commons --> CC Beth Narverud, Hernando County Commissioner
• Team "Dupuis Demolishers" from Publix Hernando West --> CC Billy & Kristie Healis, Walmart Dist. & HC County Judge
• Team "If You Ain't Amerifirst, You're Last" from Amerifirst Home Mortgage --> CC Blake Bell, Brooksville City Council
• Team "Champa Bay" from Timber Pines Community Association --> CC Chance Phillips, Beer Frog/Evom
• Team "Schwiftey Business" from Publix at Brooksville Square --> CC Chris Linsbeck, Hernando County Parks & Recreation
• Team "Eleven Ninety Great" from Publix at Glen Lakes --> CC Doug Chorvat, Clerk of Court
• Team "Oops! We Kicked It Again" from Publix Lakewood Plaza --> CC Dr. Eddie Williams, PHSC
• Team "The Done Dealers" from Publix Avalon --> CC Dr. Joanie Davis, Davis Family Hearing
• Team "Kicking Balls & Taking Listings" from The Plumadore Group --> CC Jeff Holcomb, Hernando County Commissioner
• Team "WRECking Crew" from Withlacoochie River Electric Coop. --> CC Jeff Rogers, County Administrator
• Team "World's Okayest Kickballers" from HC Schools --> CC Superintendent John Stratton, Hernando County School District
• Team "Barrette Knights" from Barrette Outdoor Living --> CC Josh McGuire, Texas Roadhouse
• Team "NO BASE LIKE HOME" from Century 21 Alliance Realty --> CC Marilyn Pearson Adams, Century 21 Alliance Realty
• Team "Pitches Be Crazy" from Publix at Barclay --> CC Marvelous Marvin, HITS 106

Returning for the popular Mascot Fun Run were Andy the Armadillo from Texas Roadhouse, Pikachu, Carey the Cow, and Tommy the T-Rex. They were joined by newcomers Teachable T-Rex from Mid Florida Community Services Head-Early Head Start, Pasco Hernando State College’s Boomer the Bobcat, Olaf from Terlep Chiropractic, and the Shark from Nature Coast Technical High School. It was a close race, but in the end Tommy the T-Rex was crowned victorious.

Congratulations to all of the raffle winners!

• Alex Killorn hat: John M.
• TreeUmph!: Kelly G.
• ZooTampa: Yamil F.
• Wonderworks: Celeb Coach Jeff R.
• Autographed Mike Evans football: Brandon S.
• Mascot Fun Run: Cindy

A special thank you to all of our sponsors who proudly supported this fundraising event:

• Presenting Sponsor: Holmes Drafting Services – Grand Slam Champion
• Field 1 Sponsor: Integrity Pest Control – Home Run Hero
• Fields 2 & 3 Sponsor: PED-Stuart Corporation – Home Run Hero
• Field 4 Sponsor: Terlep Chiropractic – Home Run Hero
• Base Run Baller Sponsors: Carter Foreman PLLC, Cricket Wireless (Sun Com), Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, Rotary Club of Brooksville, Mid-Florida Community Services Head Start/Early Head Start, and Timber Pines Community Association/Scott Dienes Construction LLC.

Thank you to United Way’s Proud Partners at the Boys & Girls Club, Foundations of Life Pregnancy Center, Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind, Mid-Florida Community Service’s Early Start and Head Start, NAMI Hernando, and People Helping People for providing local resources for families in attendance. LifeSouth Community Blood Center’s Blood Mobile encouraged spectators to donate blood and save a life, and Terlep Chiropractic offered a coupon for discounted services with proceeds donated back to DPIL.

With a high of 92 degrees on Saturday, United Way was fortunate to have BrainFreeze Italian Ice on site cooling off attendees with their delicious desserts, and Texas Roadhouse grilled hotdogs and hamburgers for the players, volunteers, and attendees. Mid Florida Community Services and Target sponsored a grab-and-go breakfast for players and volunteers.

PJ the DJ from The Arc Nature Coast provided upbeat music all day for the attendees, and everyone loved snapping a keepsake picture with the life-size cutout of Dolly Parton at the Foto Fun Booth. United Way would also like to thank National Anthem singer and Challenger K8 teacher Jonathan Kryk, Hernando County Parks and Recreation, and United Way of Hernando County volunteers, Board Members, and Kickball Planning Committee Members for generously donating their time, talents, and efforts to help make this event such a success.

2021 Kickball Champs: WRECking Crew from Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative

Celebrity Coach Jeff Rogers and Team David Gonzalez, Al Lemire, Zach Sorrentino, Jason Giddings,
Denine Sorrentino, Justin Owens, Rusty Lightbody, Justin Rubeo, Davd Moen, Taylor Scumaci,
Brittney Walker, Josh Velez, and Noah Torkelson.

For more information on available opportunities for community involvement, visit www.UnitedWayHernando.org/Kickball

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